Hong Kong set to host 5 major fairs in early 2014

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the global marketing arm for Hong Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service providers, announced today that it will host five key international toys and fashion fairs in Hong Kong in the beginning of 2014, setting up ideal platforms for traders and suppliers from around the world to expand their businesses onto new markets.

The trade fairs present great opportunities for exhibitors from the GCC to source quality products under one roof and make alliances and business contacts for expansion. Exhibitors from around the world are expected to be participating in the 2014 editions of the five international trade fairs.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair will be showcased concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from January 6 to 9; followed by the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter plus World Boutique- Hong Kong extravaganzas from January 13 to 16 to be staged at the same venue.

Officials of the HKTDC said at a press conference today in Dubai that the five key international toys and fashion shows offer phenomenal opportunities for the traders and suppliers from the GCC countries to leverage on the great trade networks provided by the events to several established domestic and international markets as well as emerging markets. This will further boost the significant trading partnership between the region and Hong Kong, as the trade between the two sides is growing steadily for the past couple of years.

Commenting on hosting the global trade fairs simultaneously, Mr Ali Fakha, Deputy Director, Middle East, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said, “The growing domestic market of the countries in the GCC is opening up new trading opportunities. We see over 1,700 Middle East buyers going to Hong Kong to source for these merchandises in the last editions of these shows.”

“The exhibitions will present tremendous potential opportunities for the GCC. The HKTDC will also facilitate buyers from the emerging markets in the GCC with special packages to participate and source in the exhibitions. Other strategic benefits and privileges are also being offered to the GCC participants of the trade exhibitions,” he added.

Last year, the five HKTDC international fairs registered a total buyer attendance of more than 120,000, sourcing for toys, stationery, baby products and fashion and garment products. Over 4,000 exhibitors, participated in the shows.

Commenting about the HKTDC’s strong role in enhancing trade partnership across the world, Mr. Fakha said, “We identify market opportunities, organise promotional activities, cultivate business contacts and offer fresh market intelligence. Our offices are the first port of call for countless overseas and mainland businesses looking for Hong Kong suppliers, buyers or partners.”

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair (Jan 6-9, 2014)

The 40th edition of Toys & Games Fair-- the largest toys industry event in Asia and second largest in the world -- will bring together manufacturers and buyers from all over the world. Over 1,900 exhibitors are expected to join the event. The fair will include group pavilions such as Chinese mainland, Indonesia, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and World of Toys Pavilion in the coming edition, further testifying to its internationality.

With the trend of combining traditional toys and modern smart devices plus app functions, a wide range of innovative toys and games is now available for kids, teenagers and even adults in “Smart-Tech Toys”, the 2014 new zone. Kidult World”, launched phenomenally in the last edition; specialises in sophisticated toys created for grown-ups, including hobby goods, magic items, vehicles, mechanical toys and collectible action figures.

A new display area will be launched this year to showcase “Therapy Toys” that focus on designs to help train up coordination or to relieve stress and other problems of both children and the elderly.

The fair also will highlight “Brand Name Gallery” is geared towards the needs of buyers seeking top-notch branded toys from quality names. Renowned brands include B, Beleduc, B Kids, CMC, Color Rich, Daniel & Co, Dragon, Ein-O-Science, Enesco, Hape, Intex, Moulin Roty, Plan Toys, Welly, Viking Toys, and Vtech, etc.

HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair (Jan 6-9, 2014)

The 5th edition of Baby Products Fair will host over 420 exhibitors, encompassing the first-time participation of exhibitors from New Zealand, Philippines and Sweden.

Baby Food and Healthcare Products, the new zone in 2014, responds to the growing trend among parents who are increasingly aware of health and nutritional needs of their babies. The global baby food and formula industry keeps growing and is expected to reach $70 billion by 2016. The sector has great potential for buyers.

With the baby product industry expanding rapidly, the surge in demand for good quality baby items continues. A major industry trend sees more and more manufacturers trying to lengthen the life span of their products. “Brand Name Gallery”, the highlight of the fair, will house exhibitors with well-crafted and beautifully designed branded products. Renowned brands include gb, Biba Toys and Piyo Piyo.

The other zone, “World of Strollers and Gear”, located at Expo Drive Hall, will showcase a great selection of strollers and car seats for babies including top-of-the-range models as well as mass market items.

Hong Kong International Stationery Fair (Jan 6-9, 2014)

The 14th edition of the global show is recognised by local and international industry players as an important paper, stationery and office supplies trade event. The organisers will welcome about 200 exhibitors, showcasing a great variety of trend-setting products.

HK Fashion Week for Fall / Winter and World Boutique (Jan 13-16, 2014)

The fashion world will descend in Hong Kong as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fashion industry event -- the 45th edition of the HK Fashion Week for Fall/ Winter 2014 and the 12th edition of the World Boutique, Hong Kong 2014. The 2 fashion fairs are expected to receive around 1,500 exhibitors from around the world in 2014.

Running alongside, both events will feature many runway shows and offer extra business opportunities. Showcasing branded collections of garments, accessories and lifestyle products the myriad exhibitors will accommodate a hugely diverse range of buyer needs, from exclusive designs of labels to trendy and value-for-money fashion products.

World Boutique- Hong Kong, an independent show in Asia dedicated to promote brands, will once again present world renowned designers’ collection and will bring over 560 brands from around the globe. Taking the limelight is the glamorous Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza held on 13 January which will feature fashion collections of Amaya Arzuaga based in Madrid, Calla Haynes based in Paris, Henry Lau based in Hong Kong, and also Masha Ma presented by W Hotels Worldwide, based in Paris/Shanghai.

There is also a series of informative seminars, pertained to these specific industries with focus on the market trends in the coming year in Europe, the US, Asia, and the GCC. These seminars will also offer advice on business development in the established and the emerging markets.

The HKTDC organises more than 30 fairs each year. Nine of these fairs are the biggest of their kind in Asia, while three are the world's largest, namely, the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition).

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